Michael Anthony Cabrera, 67, passed away in his Tampa home on Sunday, November 17, 2024. Born March 21, 1957 in Tampa, Florida to Evelyn and Peter Cabrera, Jr, he was a graduate of Leto High School. Michael was a Deputy Sheriff for over 30 years with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Unfortunately, he was forced to retire as the direct result from being injured while in the line of duty, but not before receiving the Medal of Valor in 2009 from the City of Tampa for saving another’s life. After retirement, Michael became an active member of the Auxiliary Coast Guard offering his service for several years.

During his youth, one would most likely find Michael at the local little league fields, season after season playing baseball. As an adult, Michael loved spending time with his family, friends, and living out his faith. Prior to his injury, he thoroughly enjoyed and actively participated in camping, kayaking, bicycling, hiking, fishing, and boating. He even took a couple of years enjoying motorcycling and traveling with friends to various destinations throughout the US.

Michael’s greatest passion was the Knight of Columbus. Sir Knight Michael Cabrera served in almost every capacity as a Knight of Columbus. Over the years, he served his Church, Priests, and Council as the Membership Chairman relentlessly recruiting new members with great success; Primary Salesperson for Keep Christ in Christmas Nativity scenes and ornaments; Faith Program Director; Deputy Grand Knight; and Grand Knight. As Deputy Grand Knight he ensured all activities were documented resulting in Council 12110 achieving Star Council. Again, as the Grand Knight, he again led Council 12110 to achieve the Star Council status. He continued to serve Council 12110 as a Trustee mentoring his fellow Officers and member Knights. Simultaneously, Sir Knight Michael Cabrera became a 4th Degree Patriotic Knight of Columbus. As such he volunteered and was selected to serve as the Faithful Comptroller for the Fr. William Tyrrell Assembly 0161. There he executed duties and responsibility of properly processing all documentation and scheduling new candidates to achieve the 4th Degree. Michael was a Natural Leader and Outstanding Knight. He made himself indispensable to both Council 12110 and Assembly 0161.

Michael is survived by his wife Cheryl, and brother Larry (Millyan). His energetic and spirited life will forever be cherished in the lives of his children, Steven (Danielle) and Jamey (Katherine), Carl (Karla), Sean (Lexy), Kyle (Liz), Casey, and Kristen, and in that of his grandchildren Mason, Ashton, Carson, Kaiden, Carl, Lily, Liam, and Isabella.

Retirement was not going to keep Michael from participating in “Life!” If he wasn’t volunteering for his church, his council, his friends, or his family, Michael was actively working somewhere… transport courier driving tourists and travelers around the Tampa Bay area; driver for the local HARTline bus system; Publix cashier; Election Day Poll Worker, Driver for the downtown D.A.S.H. transportation service; service and event employee for the Franciscan Center, and for Sacred Heart Catholic Church in conjunction with the Diocese of St. Petersburg as the Event Coordinator for the monthly PreCana all-day retreat program.

Michael was the glue that held our family together. He was our rock. He was our everything, never shying away from any task asked of him –which was almost endless and daily– and always without complaint. His legacy of service, bravery, faith and family will always be remembered. Rest in peace, Michael. You will be greatly missed!

I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one.
I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.
I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways,
Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.
I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun;
Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.